Wild West Podcast

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Ever wondered about the Wild West's most reckless outlaws and their thrilling adventures? Buckle up as we take you on a wild ride back to 1879 when the infamous Dave Mather and the Dodge City gang held sway over Las Vegas, New Mexico. We'll explore the life of the enigmatic Mather, his unanticipated arrival in this notorious town, and his alignment with the disreputable Dodge City gang. Prepare to be captivated by tales of lawlessness under the rule of Hoodoo Brown, the formation of a notorious police force, and the adrenaline-fueled adventures of a time when justice often came from outlaws and lawmen.

Hold onto your hats as we dissect the gripping chain of events leading up to Dave Mather's arrest for his role in a stagecoach robbery, his unexpected release, and eventual appointment as a Las Vegas Constable. We'll relive his infamous involvement in a shooting scrape, and bring you face-to-face with the electrifying Las Vegas shootout at the Variety Hall Saloon. You'll discover the perilous lives of outlaws and lawmen in a time where rules were made to be broken.

In our final act, we'll shine a light on the public's reaction to the lawless behavior of Mather and the Dodge City gang, leading to the gang's eventual breakup. We'll consider Mather's legacy and the impact of the gang's actions on Las Vegas, as well as how his story resonates today. Our journey into one of the most turbulent times in the history of the American West promises to be a whirlwind of excitement, mystery, and revelation. So, are you ready to step into the boots of the lawless lawmen of the Wild West?

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Ready to get a tantalizing taste of the Old West? Meet Dave Mather, a man as mysterious as the era he hails from. This episode peels back the layers of 'Mysterious Dave', from his humble beginnings in Connecticut to his daring escapades in the lawless lands of Arkansas and Kansas. Wander through the winding paths of his eventful life, exploring his transition from an outlaw to a lawman, and his encounters with famed figures such as Wyatt Earp and Bat Masterson. We'll also delve into the contested circumstances of his death.

Brace yourself for the second leg of this thrilling ride, as we share the rip-roaring adventures (and misadventures) of Mather. Ever heard the tale about the evangelist aiming to convert Dodge City’s wickedest man? Or the time Mather, along with Wyatt Earp, fled Texas after a botched gold brick scam? You'll get a front-row seat to these and more as we journey through the life of a man whose reputation as a gunslinger and outlaw echoed through the saloons and streets of the Old West. So dust off your boots, saddle up, and join us on this wild ride through the life of Mysterious Dave Mather!

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Get ready to embark on a historical journey as we explore the captivating narrative of the Northern Cheyenne people. In this poignant narrative, we delve into their westward migration, their split into Northerners and Southerners, and the heartrending tale of seven Cheyenne prisoners' journey from Fort Leavenworth to Dodge City. Join us as we shed light on this neglected chapter of history, enabling you to understand the trials and tribulations faced by the Northern Cheyenne people through the lived experiences of Joe Little Coyote and Wesley Whiteman.

As we transition into the courtroom scene, we'll unravel the intricate legal proceedings during the trials of the Cheyenne prisoners. From the relocation of the trial to Lawrence to the efforts of Eastern attorneys to assert the Cheyenne's innocence, we strive to provide a balanced perspective. We'll also delve into the curious influence of Mike Sutton's courtship on the trial proceedings, and highlight the enduring legacy of the Cheyenne through their gifted drawings and beadwork to the mayor of Lawrence. Join us, not just for an episode, but for an enlightening journey through the annals of history.

Wild West Podcast proudly presents “The State of Kansas vs. Wild Hog.” Stay tuned after the show for a special announcement. Resource for Podcast
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Ever thought you've lived through some intense rivalries? Strap in, folks, because your neighborhood squabbles have got nothing on the animosity simmering between James Spike Kenedy and Mayor James Dog Kelly in the unbridled days of the Wild West. We're painting a vivid picture of Dodge City, Kansas, as you've never seen it before - mired in tension, scandal, and the glamour of entertainment from Dora Hand and Fanny Garretson. The stakes are high, the insults fly, and the gunfire? Let's just say things got a bit messy on July 26, 1878.

But the story doesn't end with the dust of a showdown. We're also digging into the legacy of the Kenedys, from the illustrious life of Don Gregorio, to the last generation of this family rooted so profoundly in the Wild West history. Amidst the exchanges of threats, bullets piercing the night, and the echoes of laughter from the Lady Gay Dance Hall and the Comique Theater, a tale of survival and resilience has shaped the fabric of Dodge City. Join us on this journey where the past collides with jealousy, and the tales of confrontation and revenge breathes life into the history of the Wild West.

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Looking to get your cowboy boots dirty and take a wild ride through time? We're here to give you a taste of the cattle industry's past, bringing the Chuck Wagon's pivotal role into the present day. Join us as we unpack the rich history and fascinating intricacies of this mobile kitchen, all while serving up some hearty cowboy tales to wet your appetite for the Old West.

Promise us you're ready for a good chuckle, because we're pulling back the curtain on cowboy humor, revealing the practical jokes that kept spirits high around the Chuck Wagon. Imparting a hearty dose of cowboy wisdom, we delve into the strategic cattle drive logistics that were as important to a successful drive as the grub served up by the Chuck Wagon's cook. Speaking of the cook, get to know this key player who was responsible not only for stoking the fires of the Chuck Wagon but also the morale of cowboys on the long trail. So, dust off those cowboy hats and join us for a rollicking ride through a bygone era!

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If you'd like to buy one or more of our fully illustrated dime novel publications, you can click the link I've included. 

In 1858 there was a little camp about ten miles from Pinoche, and the winter months had tiptoed in as if dancing to a timid harp, as if it takes time for those colder months to gain the certainty that their time has arrived. In this camp occupied by three hundred miners, every one of whom might have packed his prospecting implements and left for more inviting fields any time before sunset. But, instead, when the day was over, these men did not rest from their labors, like the honest New England agriculturist, but sang, danced, gambled, and shot each other as the mood seized them. 

Christmas eve was fast approaching, and a feeling of unease came with it. Yet the miners in town wanted to make Christmas Eve special, to take time to see souls and their level of wellness or need. They planned to rest in a quiet moment to observe the spiritual rather than the hard labor of the mines allowing the world's business to put friendship first rather than in the dark moments of the mines. Wild West Podcast proudly presents “A Miner's Christmas Carol” by Sameul Davis, edited by Mike King & narrated by Brad Smalley. 

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As much as we like to romanticize cattle drives, they were more complicated than we imagined. Hours were long, food was monotonous, horses were bad, cattle were worse, and sleep was hard to come by. Yet, despite the hardships, many young men answered the call for trial hands during the second half of the 19th century. The allure of trailing thousands of cattle over wild lands and visiting far-off cattle towns like Abilene, Dodge City, and Ellsworth was too much to resist. Like most adventures, the extended drive had a mix of hot sun, dust storms, thunderous rain, treacherous river crossings, and merriment and peril. While these cowboy experiences cannot give us a complete look at every threat the cowboy faces, they should paint a general picture that will help us understand the known hazards. Regardless of the direction the drives took, they all faced roughly the same perils: stampedes, river crossings, and Indian attacks. 

Ever wondered about the hazards cowboys faced during cattle drives in the 19th century? Brace yourself as we journey back in time, to when long dusty hours, unpredictable storms, and stampedes were part of a cowboy's daily life. We dive into the perils of stampedes, triggered by strange noises and smells, the risks of prairie chickens and buffalo hair, and the tales of men crushed beneath their horses. Experience firsthand the dread of picking bedding grounds, the soothing rhythm of night riders' lullabies, and the chaos of reassembling the herd post-stampede.

When you think you've heard it all, we'll recount an unforgettable encounter with J-hawkers that took a routine cattle drive into a harrowing adventure, resulting in a terrifying stampede and the tragic death of a cowboy. Feel the adrenaline rush, the heated arguments, and the final sigh of relief as the cowboys and cattle are eventually released. As we reach the cow towns, share in the exhilaration of arrival and the resonating melodies of cowboy songs. This episode is your ticket to an exhilarating ride through the wild world of the cattle drives! Buckle up and let's hit the trail!

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Driving cattle over the various trails was no easy or unassailable task. The cowboy was forced to cope with the perils of the frontier. These perils included terrible roads, rough weather, cattle stampedes, and requiring men to pass through Indian Territory to reach their destinations. In addition, the Indians encountered often demanded tributes from the cowboy as compensation for being allowed to traverse their lands. Wild West Podcast proudly presents—hazards on the trail, including the stories of Big Blue, Firefox, and River Crossings. 

Prepare to saddle up and journey through time to the wild trails of the late 19th century. I promise, you'll be gripped by the perilous tales of cowboys battling treacherous terrains, tempestuous weather, and tumultuous cattle stampedes. Not to mention, the tension-filled exchanges encountered in the Indian territories. Let's unravel together the dangers they faced, the courage it took, and the unwritten code that saw them through.

Hear firsthand accounts of crossing the North Fork of the Canadian River, the challenge of keeping the herd in check, and the nerve-wracking experience of intermingling with other cattle drives. We'll be painting a vivid picture of the cowboy life on the trail for you. What's more, we also shed light on the 'Code of the West', the very backbone of their survival. The tales of fairness, loyalty, and respect for the land make for a compelling insight into this unique time. Buckle up for an exhilarating fusion of history, adventure, and an in-depth understanding of the cowboy life on the cattle trails. Make sure you stay with us after today's podcast as Mike and I discuss the unwritten rules of the cowboy on the trail. 

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Ever wondered how cattle branding came about, or the intricacies of a cowboy's life during cattle drives? Prepare to be enlightened as we journey back in time to the Wild West. We uncover the Spanish influence on cattle branding and the roundup process. Experience the cowboy way of life, from levering their unique skills to the responsibilities of a trail boss and the invaluable role of the cook. Discover the adventure in the journey of herds, the paths they trekked, and the monumental size of these herds.

As we saddle up for part two, brace yourself for a wild ride across the vast Texan prairies. Feel the adrenaline rush of potential stampedes, triggered by thunderstorms, prairie dog holes, and pure fatigue. The terrain shifts dramatically as we cross the Red River into Indian Territory, revealing encounters with wild animals that ratcheted up the danger. The journey also had its share of thrilling run-ins with native tribes and the looming threat of cattle rustlers. Immerse yourself in a historical adventure filled with action and heart-stopping moments, guaranteed to captivate history enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike.

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Prepare to journey through the raw, romanticized visions of the American cowboy. We're kicking the dust off the myths, winding through the stories, and riding into the heart of their gritty reality. Together, we'll unravel the hidden layers of this iconic figure, their deep, cross-cultural roots, and the pivotal role they played in shaping our nation.

In this captivating exploration, we take a deep dive into the undeniable influence of Mexican vaqueros on the American cowboy. As we peel back the layers of this cultural fusion, you'll discover how the Spanish and Mexican roots have left an indelible mark on the cowboy persona. From their practical attire and unique linguistic influences to the deeply ingrained traditions of open-range ranching, branding, and roundups, prepare to see the cowboy in a new light.

This episode takes you through the day-to-day reality of being a cowboy, exploring their attire, weaponry, and the often dangerous lifestyle they led. You'll find the true origins of their practical clothing, and how these evolved into the iconic cowboy image we know today. Get to know the real story behind cowboy pistols, and feel the dust, sweat, and exhilaration of a day in the life of these frontier warriors. So, saddle up and hold on tight - you're about to gallop into the heart of cowboy culture. It's a wild ride you won't want to miss! Stay with us after this episode as Mike and Brad further explore; cowboy attire. 

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If you'd like to buy one or more of our fully illustrated dime novel publications, you can click the link I've included.